Truck Maneuvering and Handling

Due to cut-in, the rear wheels follow a shorter path. Start turns wider to ensure the trailer does not mount curbs or strike posts.

Ensure other drivers do not misjudge your movement. Use your mirrors, signal early, and keep the trailer within the correct lane.

If unsure of clearance, it safer to stop and evaluate the turn to avoid collisions or overruns.

Reversing is high-risk due to limited rear visibility. Inspect surroundings before starting to avoid collisions.

Without a guide, reverse slowly and turn to the driver side where visibility is best. Avoid reversing blind.

Line up straight, reverse slowly, and make small corrections. Use left mirrors to monitor alignment.

Ensure the area is well-lit. Use hazards or ask for assistance to guide the movement if visibility is low.

Always verify that the ground can support the truck. Construction zones may have hidden hazards.

Position flat and convex mirrors to eliminate blind spots as much as possible for lane monitoring.

Mirrors can not cover the blind spots, avoid sudden lane changes. Wait for safe openings and signal early.

Heavy vehicles need more time to change lanes. Use flat and convex mirrors to ensure the lane is clear before merging.

Slow down gradually to increase following distance ahead. Never brake suddenly to avoid rear-end collisions.

Plan merges in advance due to the vehicle size. Use all mirrors and signal well before entering the lane.

Navigate cautiously. If unsure of clearance, ask for guidance or get out and check before proceeding.

Do not proceed with turns or lane changes until the blind spot is fully clear. Monitor both flat and convex mirrors carefully.

Convex mirrors give a wider view but distort depth perception. Always confirm distance with flat mirrors before acting.

Long vehicles may cut in on curves. Use mirrors constantly and avoid drifting into other lanes.

Maintain a safe and steady speed through curves. Keep the vehicle centered to avoid tipping or lane departure.

Braking during a turn and especially with a heavy load and can cause skidding or jackknifing. Slow down beforehand.

Visibility is often obstructed near docks. Use hazard lights, sound the horn if needed, and reverse slowly using mirror checks.

Ensure no vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians are alongside or approaching before rejoining traffic.

Urban roads may be narrow. Start wide and steer tightly to avoid hitting curbs, poles, or parked vehicles.

Losing view of the trailer side can lead to jackknifing or curb strikes. Stop if necessary to regain clear sight lines.

In tight circles, long vehicles may cut inward. Signal clearly, watch mirrors, and yield to smaller vehicles when needed.

Exiting at speed in a heavy vehicle can cause loss of control. Reduce speed early and avoid sharp steering.

Trailer reversing requires small steering inputs. Use your left-side mirror and keep the vehicle aligned with the dock.

Signal clearly and wait for smaller vehicles to move. Large trucks need room to complete turns safely.

These areas are narrow and busy. Use mirrors to avoid clipping barriers or other vehicles.

Heavy vehicles require wide clearance. Avoid U-turns unless road markings and width allow safe completion.

Reversing across active lanes is highly dangerous. A spotter should assist, and hazard lights must be used at all times.

Before entering traffic, confirm that both sides are clear and no pedestrians or cyclists are crossing.

Misalignment can damage cargo or docks. Align carefully using left-side mirror guidance and minor steering adjustments.

Never change lanes or turn until you’ve confirmed the blind spot is empty. Use mirrors and lean forward if needed.

If uncertain, it always safer to stop and evaluate rather than risk hitting an object or person.